Over the past year or so there have been some major changes in how to get to Koh Rong and its sister island Koh Rong Samloem – From much faster ferry services from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong, to more convenient flights into Sihanoukville, to the first cross-country train, it has never been easier to get to the beautiful islands. Here’s all the latest information to help you plan and book your trip.
P.S. You can book your tickets online now and save up to 30%:
Before you set off…
Please make sure you know where you are going – Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are big islands, and there are many hotels scattered around their 30+ beaches.
Most hotels are on the main tourist areas – Koh Touch on Koh Rong and Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Samloem.
Below is all the latest information on how to get to these popular beaches, as well as how to get to other areas of the islands, including how to get to Sok San Village, Long Set Beach, Nature Beach, Coconut Beach, Palm Beach, Prek Svay, M’Pai Bay, and more (to get a better idea of where everything is, take a look at our Video Map).
Sihanoukville to Koh Rong / Koh Rong Samloem
To get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong, or to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem, you can take one of the 5 modern ferry companies – Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Boat Cambodia, Buva Sea, Angkor Speed Ferry, and GTVC. (There are also a couple of $5-$10 ‘Slow Boat’ services that take 1.5 – 2.5 hours – These services are not professionally run and are not recommended).
It will take about 40 minutes to get to your destination if it’s the first stop. If the boat first stops elsewhere, it may take 1 hour or so. Watch this short video to learn more about the ferries:
The 5 services offer modern speed boats with comfortable chairs, life jackets, and the option to buy food and drink on board. Not all of the ferries have air-conditioning, but once the boats set off there is a strong cool breeze throughout the sitting areas which more than makes up for it.
All 5 services will charge roughly $25 return, though prices can vary depending on time of year, special offers, etc.
All services leave from the Ochheuteal (AKA ‘Serendipity’) pier in Sihanoukville and go to the main tourist beaches on the islands (Koh Touch on Koh Rong, and Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Samloem). If your hotel is not on the main beaches (Koh Touch / Saracen Bay), please read on below.
For Koh Rong, the services stop at 2 piers that are very close to each other. However, for Koh Rong Samloem, Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Boat Cambodia, and Buva Sea stop on the left side of the bay, while Angkor Speed Ferry and GTVC on the right (it’s a 20 minute beach walk between the two, but your hotel should pick you up from either).
For the return journey the 5 services will leave from the same pier that they arrived on. All services will go back to the Ochheuteal (Serendipity) pier in Sihanoukville.
All ferry services can be very busy – We strongly recommend you book your tickets in advance and not miss out on the day. You can book your ferry tickets online now here:
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Ferry Boat Timetables: Sihanoukville to Koh Rong / Koh Rong Samloem
Speed Ferry Cambodia (SFC), Island Speed Boat Cambodia (ISBC), Buva Sea (BS), Angkor Speed Ferry (ASF), and GTVC all leave from the Ochheuteal (AKA ‘Serendipity’) pier in Sihanoukville. Please Note: All times provided are approximate – please confirm your departure times with your ferry company. We advise you to always arrive early for your chosen service.
Sihanoukville To Koh Rong
Time | Boat |
7.30am | SFC | 8am | BS & GTVC |
9am | ISBC, ASF & SFC |
9.30am | BS |
11am | BS & GTVC |
11.30am | SFC |
12pm | ASF & ISBC |
12.30pm | BS |
1.30pm | SFC |
2pm | BS & GTVC |
2.30pm | ISBC |
3pm | SFC & ASF |
3.30pm | BS |
4pm | GTVC |
5pm | SFC & BS |
Sihanouville To Koh Rong Samloem
Time | Boat |
7.30am | SFC |
8am | BS & GTVC |
9am | ISBC, ASF & SFC |
9.30am | BS |
11am | BS & GTVC |
11.30am | SFC |
12pm | ASF & ISBC |
12.30pm | BS |
1.30pm | SFC |
2pm | BS & GTVC |
2.30pm | ISBC |
3pm | SFC & ASF |
3.30pm | BS |
4pm | GTVC |
5pm | SFC & BS |
Ferry Boat Timetables: Koh Rong / Koh Rong Samloem to Sihanoukville
For the return journey, Speed Ferry Cambodia (SFC), Island Speed Boat Cambodia (ISBC), Buva Sea (BS), Angkor Speed Ferry (ASF), and GTVC will leave from the same pier that they arrived on. All services will go back to the Ochheuteal (Serendipity) pier in Sihanoukville. Please Note: All times provided are approximate – please confirm your departure times with your ferry company. We advise you to always arrive early for your chosen service.
Koh Rong to Sihanoukville
Time | Boat |
7.15am | BS |
8.30am | SFC | 8.45am | GTVC & BS |
9.55am | ASF |
10.00am | SFC |
10.15am | ISBC |
11.45am | BS & GTVC |
12.30pm | SFC |
12.55pm | ASF |
1.15pm | ISBC |
2.45pm | GTVC |
3pm | BS |
3.45pm | ASF |
4.00pm | SFC |
4.15pm | ISBC |
4.45pm | GTVC |
Koh Rong Samloem to Sihanoukville
Time | Boat |
7am | BS |
7.30am | SFC |
8.30am | GTVC |
9am | BS |
9.55am | ASF |
10am | SFC & ISBC |
11.30am | GTVC & SFC |
12pm | BS |
12.30pm | SFC |
12.55pm | ASF |
1pm | ISBC |
2.30pm | GTVC |
3.30pm | BS |
3.45pm | ASF |
4pm | ISBC & SFC |
4.30pm | GTVC |
How to Get From Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem (and Vice Versa)
To get from Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem (or from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong), you can buy a transfer ticket with any of the ferry companies above. To give you an idea of price, a transfer ticket from Koh Touch (the main tourist area on Koh Rong) to Saracen Bay (the main tourist area on Koh Rong Samloem) costs roughly $6 one way.
You can buy your tickets at any of the ferry ticket shops on the islands or at the Serendipity Pier in Sihanoukville. The journey will take approximately 15 minutes (try to make sure that the ticket you buy is direct or the journey may take longer).
You can also hire a private long tail boat (traditional Khmer fishing boat – pictured below) to take you.
A Private Long Tail Fishing Boat Can Take You From Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem (and Vice Versa)
A private long tail boat will cost considerably more but can be shared among a group. For example, the boat will cost in the region of $30 to go from Koh Touch to Saracen Bay, $20 to go from Koh Touch to M’Pai Bay, and $60 to go from Koh Touch to Lazy Beach. Please only choose this option if the weather is nice enough for the journey.
How to Get Around Koh Rong
The most common way to get around Koh Rong is still via shuttle boats – Below is a rough schedule and pricing for some shuttle services:
Koh Touch to Sok San Beach: 1pm and 3pm ($6 per person, one-way).
Sok San Beach to Koh Touch: 6:30pm ($5 per person and includes a plankton swim).
Koh Touch to Sok San Village: 1pm and 3pm ($7 per person, one-way).
Koh Touch to Suns of Beaches: 12pm ($5 per person, one-way).
Koh Touch to Coconut Beach: 12pm ($5 per person, one-way).
Alternatively, you can hire a private long tail boat to take you around Koh Rong. Below are some rough prices (if you have more than 4 passengers, you might have to pay an additional $5 / person):
Koh Touch to Long Set (4K) Beach: $15 one-way, $30 return.
Koh Touch to Long Beach: $20 one-way, $40 return.
Koh Touch to Sok San Village: $30 one-way, $60 return.
Koh Touch to Coconut Beach: $25 one-way, $50 return.
Koh Touch to Suns of Beaches: $25 one-way, $50 return.
Koh Touch to Palm Beach: $50 one-way, $100 return.
Koh Touch to Lonely Beach: $60 one-way, $110 return.
Koh Touch to Prek Svay Village: $40 one-way, $80 return.
Koh Touch to Song Saa Private Island: $40 one-way, $80 return.
Finally, it is possible to buy a transfer ticket with one of the main ferry companies (if your destination is on route). Please speak to a ferry company representative on the island.
There is now a basic road network being developed on Koh Rong, connecting the various parts of the island. For example, you can rent a bicycle and bike from Koh Touch to The Royal Sands (Long Beach). Most of the roads are still in early development, but you can hire a motorbike driver (mototuk) to take you around (this won’t be cheap – expect to pay around $20 to get from one end to the other).
Ferry Boat Services to Koh Rong’s Alternative Beaches
If you’re staying on either Sok San Beach, Long Set Beach, Nature Beach, Palm Beach, or Coconut Beach on Koh Rong, or if you’re staying on M’Pai Bay on Koh Rong Samloem, you can now get there directly by ferry boat.
How to Get to Sok San Village
Both Island Speed Boat Cambodia (3 times per day) and Buva Sea (1 time per day) stop at Sok San Village. The journey will cost roughly $25 return and will take approximately 1 hour. (Sok San Beach Resort also runs a daily ferry service from Sihanoukville to Sok San, but their guests get priority and prices are inflated ($40) for non-guests).
Island Speed Boat Cambodia Timetable:
Sihanoukville to Sok San Village: 9am, 12pm, and 3pm.
Sok San Village to Sihanoukville: 9.30am, 12.30pm, 3.30pm.
Buva Sea Timetable:
Sihanoukville to Sok San Village: 1pm.
Sok San Village to Sihanoukville: 2pm.
How to Get to Long Set Beach, Nature Beach, Coconut Beach, and Romdoul Beach
Buva Sea Ferry From Sihanoukville to Longset Beach & Nature Beach on Koh Rong
Buva Sea and Speed Ferry Cambodia now go directly to Long Set Beach, Nature Beach, and Coconut Beach. Speed Ferry Cambodia also stops at Romdoul Beach. The journey will cost roughly $25 return and will take approximately 45-90 minutes.
Buva Sea Timetable:
Sihanoukville to Long Set Beach / Nature Beach: 8am, 11am, 2pm, and 5pm.
Long Set Beach / Nature Beach to Sihanoukville: 7am, 9.15am, 12.15pm, and 3.15pm.
Speed Ferry Cambodia Timetable:
Sihanoukville to Long Set Beach: 7.30am, 9am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3pm, and 5pm.
Long Set Beach to Sihanoukville: 10.00am, 12.30pm, and 4pm.
Sihanoukville to Romdoul Beach, Nature Beach, and Coconut Beach: 7.30am, 1.30pm, and 5pm.
Romdoul Beach, Nature Beach, and Coconut Beach to Sihanoukville: 8.15am, 10.15am, and 3.45pm.
How to Get to Palm Beach and Prek Svay
If you are staying on the northern side of the island at either Palm Beach or Prek Svay, Speed Ferry Cambodia now stops there 3 times a day. The timetable is as follows.
Speed Ferry Cambodia Timetable:
Sihanoukville to Palm Beach / Prek Svay: 7.30am, 1.30pm, and 5pm.
Palm Beach / Prek Svay to Sihanoukville: 8.00am, 10am, and 3.30pm.
How to Get to M’Pai Bay
There are now 4 ferry companies stopping directly at M’Pai Bay – GTVC, Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Boat Cambodia, and Buva Sea.
The 4 ferry companies leave from the Ochheuteal (AKA ‘Serendipity’) pier in Sihanoukville. A ticket will cost around $25 return and the journey should take 40 minutes – 1 hour depending on whether M’Pai Bay is the first stop.
GTVC Timetable:
Sihanoukville to M’Pai Bay: 8am, 11am, 2pm, and 4pm.
Speed Ferry Cambodia Timetable:
Sihanoukville to M’Pai Bay: 9am, 11.30am, and 3pm.
Island Speed Boat Cambodia Timetable:
Sihanoukville to M’Pai Bay: 9am and 3pm.
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Day Tours of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem
If you would like to see Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem but you have limited time, an organised day trip to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville is a great option – We recommend the (appropriately named) Daily Tour Boat.
The Daily Tour Boat will take you to both of the islands and will give you several hours to explore, relax, and take part in activities (e.g. snorkelling and swimming).
The day tour will start at 9am (finish at 5.30pm) from the Ochheuteal (AKA Serendipity) Pier. Breakfast and Lunch are included, and the price for the Daily Tour Boat is $25 per person.
The Daily Tour boat can be very busy – We strongly recommend you book your tickets in advance and not miss out on the day. You can book your day tour online now here:
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How to Get to Sihanoukville
International Flights to Sihanoukville
You can now fly directly into Sihanoukville from Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Ming City, and Macau – The first international flights to the airport.
The timing of the flights isn’t always that convenient, but we predict that the airport will open for further international flights in the near future. In particular, AirAsia, which provides the flights between Kuala Lumpur, Macau, and Sihanoukville, have opened a subsidiary company in Cambodia, suggesting that they are looking to expand their services very soon. The most recent announcement is a new direct flight from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Sihanoukville. The weekly flights operate 4 times per week and make the journey from Bangkok to Koh Rong even easier. Read the full articles here, here, and here.
Domestic Flights to Sihanoukville
If you are already in Cambodia, you can fly directly from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville and from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. The flights to Sihanoukville from Siem Reap are quite regular (and this is the most common way to get from Siem Reap to Koh Rong). However, the flights to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh can be inconvenient, and so other forms of transport (e.g. taxis, buses, and trains) are sometimes preferred. (See: Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville).
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How to Get From Sihanoukville Airport to Koh Rong
To get from Sihanoukville airport to Koh Rong, you can take a shuttle bus (around $4) that should be waiting outside the airport when you arrive.
The shuttle bus will take you into the centre of Sihanoukville, from which it is very easy to find the pier (just ask a passing Tuk Tuk to take you).
If for whatever reason you miss the shuttle bus, you should be able to find a Tuk Tuk (roughly $20) at the airport.
A Tuk Tuk Can Take You From Sihanoukville Airport to the Koh Rong Pier
You can also hire a private taxi to take you – this will be more expensive at around $30.
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The journey should take approximately 30-40 minutes in total, depending on your mode of transport and the traffic on the day.
Taxis to Sihanoukville
If you’re looking for a bit of comfort for your journey to Sihanoukville (perhaps you’re travelling to Koh Rong from Kampot, Kep, Siem Reap, Battambang, or Koh Kong), then a private taxi is your best option. Not only are taxis quicker and more enjoyable than buses, but you have the option of stopping for toilet breaks, coffees, and even sightseeing if you wish.
Although prices vary depending on the length of the journey, to give you a rough idea a private taxi from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville will cost in the region of $60 and take 4 hours (2 hours faster than a bus).
The better services offer nice comfortable cars (e.g. a Lexus 4 x 4) and the drivers will pick you up from your hotel, the airport, or any other location convenient for you.
One thing that we recommend however is to book your taxi in advance. Not only is it cheaper, but Cambodian traffic can be hectic, so the taxi rides can be daunting and frightening if you don’t know your driver – please contact us to book a safe, reliable taxi driver from anywhere in Cambodia, or click below and book online now.
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Buses to Sihanoukville
There are many bus companies offering economy and VIP buses to Sihanoukville (this is the most common way to get from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong).
Bayon VIP Bus From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
An economy bus ranges from $4-$6 on average and sits roughly 50 people. VIP buses are smaller and more comfortable, sitting around 15 people. They are a bit more expensive at $8-$10 one way.
VIP buses tend to be quicker and the journeys more convenient (e.g. you can ask the driver to stop if you desperately need to go to the toilet). To learn more about buses, read: Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.
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Direct Train From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
There is now the option of taking a train directly to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh. Although the total journey can be in the region of 6.5 hours (compare a 4 hour taxi), don’t immediately disregard the idea – There is some absolutely fantastic scenery along the way, and all in all it makes for a very enjoyable experience.
The train currently operates only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays and costs about $7 one-way. The carriages are quite comfortable and come with AC, plug sockets, and TVs (mainly playing Charlie Chaplin re-runs). The atmosphere is very cheerful and joyous, and because the train stops off several times along the way (including once in Kampot), the journey is broken up nicely.
The train’s schedule as of right now is as follows:
Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville: Friday 3pm, Saturday 7am, Sunday 7am, and Sunday 4pm.
Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh: Saturday 7am, Sunday 7am, Sunday 4pm, Monday 7am.
Don’t be too surprised if it’s delayed by 30 minutes – 1 hour however. If you’re thinking of giving the train a go, we recommend you buy your ticket in advance – Each ticket comes with its own seat number and acts as a reservation.
Useful Resources
BookMeBus – Buy Tickets Online (Cambodia)
Camboticket – Buy Tickets Online (Cambodia)
12Go Asia – Buy Tickets Online (Asia)
eVisa Cambodia – Buy Cambodian Visa Online
Speed Ferry Cambodia – Official Website
Island Speed Boat Cambodia – Official Website
Buva Sea Ferry Cambodia – Official Website
FAQs
Q: how do you travel from sihanoukville to Koh Rong?
A: If you want to travel from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong, you can take one of the 5 modern ferry companies: Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Boat Cambodia, Buva Sea, Angkor Speed Ferry, and GTVC. The journey will take approximately 45 minutes and cost $25 return.
Q: How do you get around Koh Rong?
A: It is now quite easy to get around Koh Rong. Depending on where you want to go, you can either travel by road, a shuttle boat, a private long tail boat, or a ferry transfer.
Q: How do you get around Koh Rong Samloem?
A: Getting around Koh Rong Samloem is straight forward. Depending on where you want to go, you can either buy a transfer ticket ($6) with one of the main ferry companies, or hire a private long tail boat. It is now also possible to walk through the jungle trail (45 min) from Saracen Bay to Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach.
Q: How do I get from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong?
A: To get from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong, you can take either a bus, a taxi, or a flight to Sihanoukville, and then take a ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. For all the latest information, please read: Phnom Penh to Koh Rong.
Q: How do you get to Sihanoukville airport?
A: You can now fly directly into Sihanoukville from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Ming City, and Macau – The first international flights to the airport. The weekly flights, provided by AirAsia, operate 4 times per week and make the journey to Sihanoukville even easier.
Q: Is there WiFi on Koh Rong?
A: There is now free WiFi on most areas of Koh Rong, though it can be slow and unreliable.
Q: Is Koh Rong a party island?
A: Please ignore what you might read elsewhere – Koh Rong is NOT just a party island! Yes, the main tourist area, Koh Touch, has a reputation for being quite lively, but there are MANY other areas that are peaceful, relaxing, and truly mesmerising.
Even on Koh Touch itself there are beautiful, quiet areas a little further down the beach.
Please read our Hotel Guide and Beach Guide for more information.
Q: How many days should I spend in Siem Reap?
A: Siem Reap can’t be covered in one day – you’ll need at least three days to cover the huge expanse of the Angkor temples and other attractions in the area. The ideal time to spend in Siem Reap is around 3-4 days, depending on how early you get there. Just make sure you have at least one and a half full days.
Q: How do I get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
A: You can get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by either taking a bus, a private taxi, a flight, or a ferry. If you’re looking for a bit of comfort during your trip and an affordable price, then a private taxi is your best option. The journey will take approximately 5 hours in total and will cost about $75.
Q: Is it safe to travel to Cambodia alone?
A: Yes, it is safe to travel to Cambodia alone, as long as you are sensible (which is the case in any country). Cambodian people are generally very respectful and friendly towards foreign men and women, but as with any poorer country, poverty is an issue. As such, we recommend that you do not wear expensive jewellery, leave your belongings unattended, or get heavily intoxicated. Otherwise, relax, explore, and enjoy yourself!
Q: Is Cambodia safe?
A: Generally, Cambodia is a safe country – it is ranked the 59th safest country in the world, with violent crime being a rarity. The only exceptions are remote areas of large cities, so please be sensible with where you visit.
Q: How many days should I spend in Cambodia?
A: We would recommend that you spend at least 10 days in Cambodia. An itinerary could go something like this:
Day 1 – Fly into Phnom Penh.
Day 2 – Visit Phnom Penh Museums.
Day 3 – Travel to Siem Reap.
Day 4 – Visit Angkor Wat.
Day 5 – Explore Siem Reap.
Day 6 – Fly to Sihanoukville.
Day 7 – Travel to Koh Rong.
Day 8 – Relax on Koh Rong.
Day 9 – Travel to Koh Rong Samloem.
Day 10 – Explore Koh Rong Samloem.
Q: What is the best time to go to Cambodia?
A: We would say that the best time to go to Cambodia is between the middle of November and the start of May. During these months you’ll have beautiful hot days (25°C – 40°C) with very little cloud and low humidity.
Q: What is the best currency to use in Cambodia?
A: The best currency to use in Cambodia is the US Dollar, or the local Khmer Riel – Both currencies are accepted everywhere in the country.
Q: What should you not wear in Cambodia?
A: Cambodia is a Buddhist country, and local people, especially the older generations, adhere to strict dress codes. As such, if you plan on visiting non-tourist areas, men should not wear shorts or vests, while women should not wear mini-skirts, tight yoga pants, or other revealing clothing.
Q: When is the best time to visit Koh Rong?
A: The best time to visit Koh Rong Island is between the middle of November and the start of May. During these months you’ll have beautiful hot days with very little cloud and low humidity. To give you a rough idea of the average temperatures over this past year:
Middle of November / December / January / February: Warm and dry. 25°C daytime.
March / April / May: Hot and dry. 35°C daytime.
June / July / August: Hot and wet. 35°C daytime.
September / October / Early November: Warm and wet. 25°C daytime.
Please see our Weather Guide for more information.
Q: How long is the ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong?
A: If your destination is the first stop, it will take about 40 minutes to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. If your ferry stops somewhere else first, it may take 1 hour or so.
Q: How do I get from Siem Reap to Koh Rong?
A: To get from Siem Reap to Koh Rong, you can take either a bus, a taxi, or a flight to Sihanoukville, and then take a ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. For all the latest information, please read: Siem Reap to Koh Rong.
Q: I have a return ticket to Koh Rong. Can I use this to come back from Koh Rong Samloem?
A: Yes, this is usually OK to do, but please ask your ferry company before you set off to confirm.
Q: Is there a private ferry service from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong?
A: No, there is currently no private ferry service that will take you directly from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong.
Q: Is it possible to take a ferry to Koh Rong after dark?
A: No, for safety reasons no ferry company currently travels to Koh Rong after dark (i.e. after about 5pm).
Q: Can I hire a private long tail boat after dark?
A: For safety reasons, we do not advise you to hire a private long tail boat after dark for getting around the islands. If you would like to see the plankton, please book a plankton tour or speak to an experienced guide.
Q: How badly are ferry boats affected by rainy weather conditions?
A: This really depends on the weather on the day, but even in rainy season the rain can stop for several hours at a time, during which some ferry companies will continue service.
Q: Where is Koh Rong Samloem?
A: Koh Rong Samloem is located about 25km (16mi) off the coast of Sihanoukville and 4km (2mi) south of Koh Rong Island.
Koh Rong Samloem is Koh Rong’s stunning sister island – a short 20 minute ferry trip away. It is a peaceful relaxing destination with breathtaking scenery – Pristine white beaches, clear turquoise ocean waters, and a tropical jungle wilderness.
Q: Where can I see the glowing plankton?
A: Sparkling like a starry sky all around you, the bioluminescent plankton are a wonderful sight to behold at night times. Although this phenomenon is abundant on the islands, the glowing plankton can only be seen in places with very little light pollution.
As such, if you’re staying on Koh Touch (the main tourist area on Koh Rong) or on Saracen Bay (the main tourist area on Koh Rong Samloem), the easiest way for you to see the plankton is by booking a boat tour (you can also walk to Police Beach on non-party nights (15 minutes left from the main pier) and Tree House Bungalows (15 minutes right from the main pier) on Koh Touch, or make your way to Long Set Beach around the corner from Koh Touch).
For more information, please read: Glowing Plankton on Koh Rong
Q: Where are the best beaches?
A: There are many wonderful beaches on Koh Rong. To give you an idea, here are three beaches that we like (please read our Beach Guide to learn more):
1) Lonely Beach – Possibly the best beach on the islands (even bettering Lazy Beach on Koh Rong Samloem), is Lonely Beach to the northern side of Koh Rong Island. Although it is not in the most convenient location, it really is absolutely stunning. The small alcove feels like a real island-paradise, with crystal clear ocean waters, soft white sandy beaches, and tall palm trees all around. The atmosphere is quite serene – so peaceful and quiet with just a few crickets chirping in the background. There are very few people around, so you feel quite isolated and secluded out in a truly beautiful setting.
2) 4K Beach (Long Set Beach) – We would say that 4K beach is number two on the list, though there are now several resorts built along this wonderful stretch of white sand, sparkling turquoise ocean, and tropical jungle wilderness. What’s great about this beach, apart from the stunning scenery and inviting pristine waters, is that it’s a short walk away from the main tourist area on Koh Rong Island (Koh Touch).
3) White Beach – At number 3 we are going to put White Beach – A 10 minute walk from the main pier on Koh Touch. Admittedly, there are probably better beaches, but the convenience of White Beach and the quality of the resorts around this area push it up a place or two. Despite what you might read elsewhere, this far side of Koh Touch is not a party location and does not suffer from the same setbacks that other more popular areas experience. The beach on this part of the touristy stretch is clean and well-kept, with soft white sands and beautiful clear ocean waters.
Q: What should I bring with me?
A: We recommend that you bring plenty of cash, mosquito spray, sun tan lotion, and any other necessities. Both islands have small shops where you can buy most of what you might need, but prices can be inflated so it’s a good idea to stock up on the essentials before you go.
Q: Is it easy to get a Cambodian Visa?
A: Yes – it is generally very easy to get a Cambodian Visa. Although there are tighter restrictions for Business Visas (which now require a Cambodian work permit), the Tourist Visa (1 month stay) is very straight forward and can be obtained at the airport / border crossing as you arrive. If you’d like to skip the ques, you can buy your visa online now here: Buy a Visa Online Now.
Q: Are there ATMS on Koh Rong?
A: Although there is no ATM on Koh Rong, you can still get cash out at any of the three Eftpos terminals on Koh Touch (the main tourist area on Koh Rong Island). There is an Eftpos terminal at Green Ocean Guesthouse, White Rose Guesthouse, and Koh Lanta.
Q: Is there a medical facility on Koh Rong?
A: There is a medical facility on Koh Touch (the main tourist area on Koh Rong Island). Please ask someone when you are there for directions.
Q: Is it a family-friendly place?
A: Yes, there are many quiet, family-friendly places on the islands. Please see our Hotel Guide and Beach Guide to learn more.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us and we will reply ASAP.
Comments
Kevin
May i know where is the port ?
i’m currently at Sihanoukville. how do i get to the port ?
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Kevin, please take a look at this map for the location of the port: https://www.visitkohrong.com/ochheuteal-serendipity-pier/
LS
Hello, Visit Koh Rong! Thank you for this very detailed article. I booked a ferry to Koh Rong. Could you tell me what the weight limit is for the ferry? I am worried my suitcase is too heavy. Thanks
Visit Koh Rong
Hello, there is generally no weight limit as such, so you should be ok!
SY
My flight arrived at 1pm and I need to go sok San resort. Can you please advice which speed boat shall I take?
Fiore
Can you organise a car-style Tuk Tuk to pick us up on the day (Airport-Pier=>$20)?
Is this the easiest, fastest and more convinient way (cheapest)?
Fiore
Hello,
we (me and my husband) are arriving at Sihanoukville airport on Dec 27th at 12.10 .
What’s the easiest and fastest way to get to the piers to take the BUVA SEA ferry at 2 p.m.? Do you thing we’ll manage to take that ferry? We’ll stay at Koh Rong Samloem.
How long does the shuttle wait for the passangers? Is the shuttle still working?
Once we are in the center we should take a tuk tuk to the piers- how much does it cost?
Or it’s better we take a taxi to the piers? How much does it cost?
For our return flight on Jan 4th-if we take the very first BUVA SEA ferry from KRS at 7 a.m., do you think we’ll manage to catch our flight at 12 o’clock?
Are there taxis at the pier that can bring us to the airport?
Melvin Hor
Hi, the airport shuttle buses will stop at which location in Sihanouk ville?
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. It usually just stops near the centre, from where you need to take a tuk tuk to the piers
MJ
Hello,
Is there still shuttle bus service from the airport to the pier?
taxi prices are expensive 🙁 thanks
Visit Koh Rong
Hello, yes there are still shuttle buses from the Airport to Sihanoukville centre. Alternatively, you can try to share a tuk tuk.
Cristina
Hi. Thanks for a wonderful guide. I would like to ask you how long does it take to get from Siahnousville airport to the pier in a private taxi. My plane lands 15.00h and I am not sure if I will get in time for the 16.30h ferry to Koh Rong.thanks!
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Cristina, it will depend on traffic, but usually it takes about 30 minutes from the airport to the pier. If you have 1 hour you should be fine!
Global Treats
We have return ferry ticket to koh rong samloem included in our coach fare but we are spending the second part of our time in koh rong. Will the return ticket be valid from either island or will we have to buy another? Cheers.
Visit Koh Rong
Hello, if you speak to the ferry company staff it should be OK.
Cico
I am on a tour which ends in Ho Chi Minh City. What is the best way to get to Koh Rong? Thank you
Sophie
Hello! We will be travelling from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong island for 3 days, then onto Sanloem Island for 2 days, then back to Sihanoukville. Is there a ferry ticket type available for this type of round trip? Thanks!
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Sophie, no unfortunately there is no ticket of this type. However, you could buy a transfer ticket from Koh Rong to Samloem with your ferry company (usually around $6)
Miky
Hello! Is any company that provide private boat (not that companies with fixed hours) for Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem from Sihanoukville?
HuBi
Xin chào,
Tôi muốn hỏi tàu cao tốc từ Koh Rong về Sihanoukville có chuyến nào khởi hành trước 10 a.m không ạ?
Cảm ơn ban!
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. Yes there are several boats that leave before 10am – please look at our approximated timetable above
Carlos
Hola!!
Tengo un vuelo que llega a las 19:35 el día 31/12 pero veo que los ferrys a Koh Rong no salen a partir se las 17:00.
Sabéis si hay forma de llegar a la isla con un bote privado a partir de las 20:00 por ejemplo?
Muchas gracias!!
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Carlos, no you cannot get to the islands late at night – no boats will take you when it gets dark!
michael mcdonnell
Hi, im coming to stay on Koh Rong on Sunday for a couple of weeks. Im staying on Sokssan beach for first week. My friend is staying on other side near main pier. Can i get a boat taxi back to Soksan late at night? If yes. How much would it cost? Thanks
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Michael, taxi boats don’t tend to travel later at nights after dark, and we wouldn’t recommend for you to do so as it can be dangerous (the long tail boats aren’t really equipped to travel after dark)
Olga
Hola!!!
Como se puede ir desde el puerto de Siahknouville al aeropuerto
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. You can take either a Tuk Tuk or a private taxi: https://www.visitkohrong.com/taxi/
Marco
Hi, we’ve planed to come to koh rong tomorrow. Our flight have been delayed and it will lend at 5pm. We won’t be able to catch the last ferry. Do you know if it’s possible to reach koh rong from sihanouckville by night? With a special company or private boat? Thanks a lot for your answer.
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Marco – No, unfortunately you won’t be able to reach Koh Rong at night time – when it is dark no ferries / private boats will go out
Lolito
Bonjour,
Je souhiate me rendre à Sihanoukville en voiture. Y a-t-il des endroits sûrs pour laisser un véhicule 3 jours le temps d’aller à Koh Rong ? Y a-t-il un parking à l’embarcadère ?
Merci
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. No, unfortunately there is no parking at the pier. The best option would be to leave your car in a hotel car park and ask them to take care of it for you (for a small fee). There are several large hotels next to the pier that could help you.
Santa
Hallo,
We land at Sihanoukville airport at 12.40 am in mid December. What is the best way to get from Sihanoukville airport to Sihanoukville pier?How long does it take? Would we manage catching ferry at 3pm to get to the Koh Rong Sanloem ( Saracan Bay) ? And which ferry company is most reliable? Do all ferries have toilets on the board?
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Santa,
There should be a shuttle bus from Sihanoukville airport to Sihanoukville city centre. From there, you can easily get to the pier via a tuk tuk. Alternatively, you can book a taxi straight from the airport to the pier:
https://www.visitkohrong.com/book-transport/
If you book a taxi, the trip will take about 30 minutes. If you go for the shuttle option it will take more, depending on how long you have to wait for the next shuttle bus, a tuk tuk etc. In general though, it shouldn’t take you more than an hour to get from the airport to the pier.
Pretty much all of the ferry companies are reliable these days. Any of the ferries you book through us will be fine:
https://www.visitkohrong.com/book-transport/
Not all of the ferries have toilets on board (e.g. Buva Sea does not), however the journey from the pier to Koh Rong Samloem is about 40 minutes. If you really want a ferry with a toilet, perhaps Speed Ferry Cambodia is a good option.
Kennes
I have purchased my ferry ticket online directly from Buva Sea 2 weeks ago. Only realised I have chosen the wrong timing after ticket confirmed. I have tried every means – modify from their site, email to them, call or even sms to reach out to them to get my timing change. However, none of those works. Can anyone advise how can I get this solved?
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Kennes,
The staff at Buva Sea can be very busy – there might be a delay in getting back to you.
Pal Samrith
I want to visit koh rong on 21-23/11/2018. Is it the best time to visit there?
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. Yes, the weather should be much better by that point – The best time tends to be January onwards. Take a look here: https://www.visitkohrong.com/weather/
Fran
Hello!
Do you know if there are any bus+ferry services Bangkok to Koh Rong? I want to bus it there to save money. but I can’t find any buses that do this :'(
Thanks so much!
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. Please take a look at 12go.asia – They should have a service you can book.
Xuan
Hello. I’m going to visit kohrong by motorbike. So how can I go to there with my motorbike from Sihanouk?
Kate
Hi, how can we get to Koh Rong Samloem from Bangkok?
Monika
Cześć,
czy można zarezerwować bilet na pociąg do/z Sihanoukville wcześniej? Masz może namiary na stronę? Czy jest problem z dostępnością biletów w kasach w sezonie (listopad)?
Będę wdzięczna za odpowiedź,
pozdrawiam
Visit Koh Rong
Hello, you can buy train tickets in advance here:
http://royal-railway.com/?page=ebooking&menu1=7&menu2=84&article=84&lg=en
You should be ok to buy them on the day however, if you go early to the station.
With regard to other tickets, such as ferry tickets to the islands, we would always recommend for you to book in advance as all services can be very busy. You can book your tickets online here:
https://www.visitkohrong.com/book-transport/
Hope that helps!
Julia
What a very helpful site, thank you!
I hope to get your advice on one thing:
We plan on staying on Koh Rong Samloem the last 5 nights of our two week trip in Cambodia in January. Our international flight to take us home leaves from Seam Reap 7.30pm. The plan is to take a boat from the island to Sihanoukville in the morning and catch a midday flight from there to Siem Reap. Is it too daredevil to stay on the island the last night? Should we rather relocate to Sihanoukville or Siem Reap the day before?
How reliable are the boats and domestic flights in January?
We will start our two weeks with five days in Siem Reap so we prefer to not spend more time there but rather as much time as possible on Koh Rong Samloem.
Thank you so much in advance!
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Julia,
By the sounds of it you should be ok with the timing – just plan to take an earlier ferry. The ferries should be reliable in January (no rain) and there are several different services to choose from just in case one gets cancelled…
susanna
Hola, existe la posibilidad de llegar a Sihanoukville en barco desde Non Phen o Siem Reap? gracias!
Abhishek Dutta
Hi!
Your articles have been really helpful!
I’m travelling to Cambodia in October and will be covering Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem. Since I’m planning to backpack and travel on a budget, could you help me with the best hostels to stay at in these places?
Would be of great help!
Cheers 🙂
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. We don’t know much about the best budget hostels in Phnom Penh, but take a look at Onederz hostel in Sihanoukville. With regard to Koh Rong, there are a lot of options, especially if you are staying on Koh Touch (the main tourist area). Perhaps take a look at Monkey Island. on Koh Rong Samloem Mad Monkey might be your best bet, but it all really depends on your budget and what type of experience you are looking for. Take a look through these articles for more information: https://www.visitkohrong.com/koh-rong-hotels/ and https://www.visitkohrong.com/koh-rong-samloem-hotels/
Yimz
Hello! Whats the best and easiest way from Siem Reap / Phnom Penh Airport to Koh Rong? As i am planning to stay at Koh Rong instead.
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. The easiest way would be to fly into Sihanoukville and then take the ferry to Koh Rong. This is the most expensive option but can save a lot of time…
Francesco
Ciao!
Volevo sapere, devo andare a Koh Rong Saloem.
E’ Indispensabile sapere a quale spiaggia attraccare in base all’hotel?
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. Yes it can matter if you are not staying on Saracen Bay. What is the name of your hotel?
bunna
Hello!
I just want to ask how often the boats stop running due to the weather conditions? I heard that during the rainy season they are not running at all. Is it possible for you to give me any info about this?
Thanks
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Bunna, it really depends on the weather on the day, but even in rainy season the rain can stop for several hours at a time, during which some boats do go.
Tricia
Does anyone know how I can find a reliable and reasonably priced private car from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh airport?
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. Bookmebus is a great option – they use a pier review system: https://bookmebus.com/en?type=VehicleTypePrivateTaxi&r=WTpNgM4koPFH6MdNfprErwQJ
linda
Hi 🙂 i will be staying on koh rong sanloem for a week at eco retreat. we have a plane to catch on the 16/02 at 10:45am from sihanoukville airport to ho chi minh city. are there any good hotels/bungalow places you would reccomend for that one night in sihanoukville 15/16, that offer airport transport or similar? or what would you suggest? thanks in advance! 🙂
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. We have been meaning to write an article about best places to stay in Sihanoukville… If you don’t mind paying more, Sokha Resort is great: https://www.booking.com/hotel/kh/sokha-beach-resort.en-gb.html?aid=885343. Independence Hotel is really nice too: https://www.booking.com/hotel/kh/independence.en-gb.html?aid=885343.
halit gülbenk
selam arkadaşlar bem emekli biriyim koh rong adasını ziyaret etmek istiyorum benim normal şartlarda adada bir aylık harcamam kaç amerikan doları olur bilği veririseniz memnun olurum saygılar.
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. It would really depend on what you would like to see and do. Perhaps send us more details to [email protected] and we can reply then.
Eva
Hallo
Eine wirklich tolle Website haben sie wo ich mir schon viele Infos holen konnte. Vielen Dank:).
Ich hab da mal eine Frage und ich hoffe sie können uns weiterhelfen.
Wir landen im April am sihanoukville Airport um 15 Uhr. Wie ist ihre Erfahrung, wie lange man mit Gepäck holen etc (Visum haben wir schon) beschäftigt ist und dann (ich denke wir buchen ein Kiwi Taxi) zum Serendipity Pier brauch? Wir haben Koh Rong samloem gebucht aber die letzte Fähre geht um 17 Uhr und das wird denke ich mega knapp! Gibt es auch Möglichkeiten einen privattransfer zu bekommen? Oder ist das extrem teuer? Ist es zu empfehlen Buva Sea anzuschreiben? Da steht man soll auch 45 Minuten vorher da sein, das ist ja wahrlich in unserem Fall utopisch:(
Ich hoffe sie können uns helfen. Danke schon einmal im Voraus.
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. It usually takes about 30 minutes or so to get out of the airport. It will then take another 30 minutes or so to get to the pier by taxi from the airport. So you might be OK for time, but if there are any delays it might be very close. A private transfer will cost quite a bit yes, but also it will be getting dark at this point, so you might struggle to find anyone that will take you. Hope that helps!
Sam
Hi there, we are planning to visit Koh Rong and stay at Sok San Beach resort next February 2018. Never been there or in Sihanoukville before. Our issue is our return departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City is at 10:15AM ETD KOS Sihanoukville airport. The speedboat of the resort earliest transfer will drop us port 65 (the DROP-OFF Sihanoukville) at 8:30AM. We are a family of 4 with 2 kids and will definitely have at least one luggage to check in. We have no idea concerning taxi transfer duration from pier to airport and on time check-in restriction at KOS airport for international flights? Can you let us know? Can we realistically
make it? Thanks in advance for your inputs.
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Sam,
I think you will be leaving it a bit too tight. If all goes well you should arrive to the airport about 1 hour before departure, which is pretty much the recommended bare minimum. But if the ferry is delayed at all for whatever reason you might well end up missing the flight with such a tight time frame. Perhaps you should consider taking the last ferry back to Sihanoukville the night before and leave yourself more time for the trip to the airport in the morning.
Emma
Hi there! We’re travelling to Koh Rong from the 30th of Dec to 3rd of January. We’re staying on Long Set Beach, but I can’t see where to pre-book the ferry with Buva Sea? It doesn’t list Long Set Beach as a destination on the booking engine. Will we be able to buy tickets on the day instead?
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Emma, we’re not sure why you can’t book tickets to Longset Beach – we’ll take a look. In the meantime try https://www.camboticket.com/ – let us know if this works.
Lisa Rhodes
Hi, I’m currently on Koh Rong and have a boat booked to Koh Rong Samloem in the morning, I’m trying to find a hostel to stay on but most say they’re a few miles from the centre. Do you have to get a separate boat and if so do you know how much?
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Lisa,
Don’t pay too much attention to the descriptions on booking.com TripAdvisor etc – they are usually very misleading (these websites tend to just use templates because many resorts on the islands don’t provide their own descriptions).
When you get off the boat there are resorts all across Saracen Bay, including immediately in front of you. There are also resorts on other parts of Samloem (e.g. M’Pai Bay, Sunset Beach, Lazy Beach). Your ferry might stop at M’Pai Bay first (small fishing village with lots of hostels), but to get to other areas of Samloem you’d need to get a separate connection.
Hope that helps!
Fumi
Hi! I booked a flight from Bayon airlines that leaves Sihanoukville at 18:10 and should arrive Phnom Penh at 18:45. Are they usually on time? because I cannot miss the international flight home which departs at 22:50.
Thank you in advance!
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Fumi,
We don’t get that many complaints about flight delays but it’s difficult to predict what may or may not happen on the day! You have a bit of leeway so hopefully you will be OK
Jorge Vieira
ha! I just knew this would happen. So, my flight lands in Sihanoukville at 17:45 and the last ferry appears to be at 17h. This means I will not make it, unfortunately. Is there an alternative or am I stuck at Sihanoukville for the night?
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. The main issue is that it starts to get dark at around 5.30pm, which is why all the ferry companies stop and you won’t be able to hire a private boat 🙁
Sacha
Hello there,
We are going to stay at Lazy Beach on Koh Rong Sa mloem and from there we are taking a flight from Sihnoukville to Siem Reap. do you think we can make a midday flight from Sihounakville leaving from the island in the morning?
Thanks.
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. Yes you will be able to make it if you take an early ferry back from Koh Rong Samloem. Buva Sea (7am and 9am) and GTVC (8.30am). It will take you about an hour walking from Lazy Beach to the pier so you will need to get up early!
maca
Hi!!
Anyone knows how can i go from the Airport to the Pier? i have checked the taxis but is expensive.
The shuttle bus take you there? and how much it cost
Thank you in advance
Visit Koh Rong
Hello. There should be buses (roughly $4) at the airport. You can also always try to organise a shared taxi when you’re there. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Maddie
For the taxi ride from Phnom Phen, about how much does that cost? and then what about if we did the shared taxi?
Thank you! we will be travelling to Cambodia in March of 2018 and I am currently planning to go to Koh Rong 🙂
Visit Koh Rong
Hi Maddie,
A taxi from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville will cost $60 – That’s just to the driver whether you share it or not 🙂 March will be a great time to visit Koh Rong! Send us a message if you’d like to book a taxi with us – There’s no rush (a couple of weeks before hand would be OK). Take a look at some more info here: https://www.visitkohrong.com/taxi/
Sarah Smith
Hello Visit Koh Rong! I just wanted to give you a big thanks for helping us plan our holiday – it went without a hitch thanks to your article!
David
One more question, for the Speed Ferry Cambodia ticket, can we buy it at the Jetty terminal pier at Serendipity? I notice from their website to get the ticket from their downtown office at Golden Lions Roundabout which is a distance from the jetty terminal.
Visit Koh Rong
Hi again David,
Yes you can buy your ferry tickets at the Serendipity pier (for all ferry services). The Golden Lions is actually not too far from the pier (about a 7 minute walk), but Speed Ferry only require you to PICK UP tickets at their head office, i.e. if you have bought them in advance.
David
How do we get to Serendipity Pier from the Airport? Are there buses, or shuttle or shared taxis? I understand that taxis are expensive.
Visit Koh Rong
Hi David,
There will be taxis (roughly $25) and buses (roughly $4) at the airport. You can always try to organise a shared taxi when you’re there. We can also help you to organise a car-style Tuk Tuk to pick you up on the day ($20).
Harvinthran
Thank you for your information. Helps alot. 🙂
Visit Koh Rong
Happy to help 🙂
Joan
I did not know that about slow boats thank you!!
Visit Koh Rong
Happy to help!
Dana
Thank you for the very informative article.
This is great !
Visit Koh Rong
No problem – Happy to help!
Mr Chill Inn Cambodia
Great article, sharing the new routes is excellent, much better than those pesky nightbuses!
There have been some cool advances in this part of the world recently which enhance the travelling experience. In M’PaiBay there has been some development too.
MPB – Originally a Khmai Fishing Village situated in the North of KRS, now caters for budget travellers, with more than 20 businesses including dorms, private rooms, bungalows & restaurants right on the jungle edge overlooking the water.
Speed Ferry Cambodia (SFC), & Buva Sea now both serve M’PaiBay also several times daily to:from Sihanoukville. The $5 Slow Boat service also runs M’PaiBay to/from Saracen/mainland. Further an island-hop boat now runs 3 times a day connecting KohTuich on KohRong to M’PaiBay/Saracen on KohRongSamloem
www.visitkohrong.com
Thank you for the update – We are in the process of editing our section on ‘How to get to M’Pai Bay’ so we will add this useful information!
tom
Hello – Cn you tel me more about the train times please?
www.visitkohrong.com
Hi Tom – We’ve just updated the article and have included the up-to-date train times. Hope that helps!
Lana
Really looking forward to our trip. Thank you very much for all the comprehensive information we got from your site.
www.visitkohrong.com
No problem. We hope you enjoy your trip!